Nevada Parks Must Experiment to Fix Overcrowding of Geese Around Their Lakes
By: Melaine Huonker
Updated: July 2, 2012
NEVADA, MO--- It's one of the worst cases of geese overcrowding that Dana Redburn has ever seen.
"It's gross. It's nasty," Redburn, Parks and Recreations Director, says.
The Parks and Recreation Department says geese migrate every year between lakes.
"This year they've seemed to have moved to town." Redburn says.
There are about 100 to 200 geese at Walton Lake and 80 geese at Radio Springs Lake.
"They are rather bothersome. They come up to you quite often," Kimberly Shay, who visits Walton Lake, says.
While some find them a nuisance, others don't mind.
"Kids like them, I bring my kids out there, and they really like them. I really have no problem," Dale Garwod says.
In an effort to maintain asethetics and the lakes' fish population, park officials are experimenting with ways to scare most of the gesse away.
"[I use] loud noises and stuff. I will try to get out of the car and chase the geese," Mark Moberly, maintenance supervisor of Nevada City Parks, says.
The next test is to put in a solar-powered strobe light.
"It messes up the sleep pattern of the geese so were going to try and put it in," Redburn says.
Redburn hopes that will cause most of the geese to call another place home.
The city has had an ordinance since the late 90's to prevent people from feeding the geese. Park officials say it's harmful for both the geese and the environment.
"It's gross. It's nasty," Redburn, Parks and Recreations Director, says.
The Parks and Recreation Department says geese migrate every year between lakes.
"This year they've seemed to have moved to town." Redburn says.
There are about 100 to 200 geese at Walton Lake and 80 geese at Radio Springs Lake.
"They are rather bothersome. They come up to you quite often," Kimberly Shay, who visits Walton Lake, says.
While some find them a nuisance, others don't mind.
"Kids like them, I bring my kids out there, and they really like them. I really have no problem," Dale Garwod says.
In an effort to maintain asethetics and the lakes' fish population, park officials are experimenting with ways to scare most of the gesse away.
"[I use] loud noises and stuff. I will try to get out of the car and chase the geese," Mark Moberly, maintenance supervisor of Nevada City Parks, says.
The next test is to put in a solar-powered strobe light.
"It messes up the sleep pattern of the geese so were going to try and put it in," Redburn says.
Redburn hopes that will cause most of the geese to call another place home.
The city has had an ordinance since the late 90's to prevent people from feeding the geese. Park officials say it's harmful for both the geese and the environment.
